Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Dear friend, 


Last Wednesday at Bush Hill Elementary School, I was able to engage with the school’s enthusiastic 4th, 5th and 6th graders, and the county’s public works and environmental services staff, as they installed native plants through the Revitalize, Restore, Replant (R3) program.


The R3 is an award-winning program where stormwater management ecologists work with students and staff at schools to transform underutilized turf grass areas, or areas of need, into thriving pollinator meadows through installation of several hundred native plants. They have worked with “more than 4,300 students who have helped install over 20,000 plants.” The program is totally free for the schools. I was amazed as these young kids explained with excitement the environmental, ecological and reproduction benefits derived from certain plantings. I encourage all to watch Revitalize, Restore, Replant - YouTube for more information about the program. 


Special thanks to the Bush Hill Elementary School Principal, Mary Duffy, and Stormwater Management, County Ecologist, Danielle Wynne, for their invitation to join students participating in this great program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. 

Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov

Phone 703-971-6262

-Rodney

Table of Contents


  1. Community Meetings for Fairfax Connector
  2. Richmond Highway Reduced Speed Limit Begins May 23
  3. Fairfax County Farmer's Market
  4. Richard Bryd Library Book Sale
  5. Mental Health Virtual Town Hall
  6. FCPS Launches Largest Academy Class
  7. FRCHA Scholarship Program
  8. Teen Summer Programs
  9. COVID-19 Resources

Community Meetings for Fairfax Connector

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will hold three community meetings, one in person and two virtual, to share the proposed preferred changes to Fairfax Connector bus service along the I-66 corridor from Centreville to Tysons and Franconia-Springfield. This is the third and final round of public engagement meetings. FCDOT transit planning staff has incorporated community input from previous meetings in the proposed changes that will be presented. More information on the Centreville, Chantilly, Vienna, and Tysons (CCVT), and Franconia-Springfield bus service can be found on the CCVT Bus Service Review Webpage, including proposed route information. 


The in-person meeting will take place at the Franconia Government Center on May 22nd at 7pm. The other two virtual meetings will be held on May 23rd and May 25th at 7pm. Links for the virtual meetings are below.


Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, May 23, 7 p.m.

Join the Virtual Meeting

By Phone: 571-429-5982

Access Code: 606467466#  

Virtual Meeting

Thursday, May 25, 7 p.m.

Join the Virtual Meeting

By Phone: 571-429-5982 

Access Code: 730682417# 


I hope you are able to attend any of the meetings and provide your input and feedback about the proposed service changes!

Richmond Highway Reduced Speed Limit Begins May 23rd

On May 23, the speed limit on Richmond Highway (Route 1) between Jeff Todd Way/Mount Vernon Memorial Highway and the Alexandria southern city limits will be permanently reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph to optimize safety and operations for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and transit users, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation and Fairfax County Department of Transportation.


Signs of the reduced speed will be installed on May 23rd.


Remember to slow down to make sure everyone can walk, bike, and drive safely on Richmond Highway!

Fairfax County Farmer's Market

Fairfax County Farmer's Markets are now open! They are a great way to get fresh and local produce. For residents who have SNAP, you are able to use your benefits at the Farmer's Market. They will match the amount you charge to your EBT card; this means more fruits and vegetables for less!


See the flyer above for your information, or you can click on the link below.

Farmers Markets | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)


This program only applies to the participating locations.

Richard Byrd Library Book Sale

From June 1st to June 4th, Richard Byrne Library will be hosting a used book sale. Books will be at a reduced price, most at $2 or less! You can find books from all genres, CDs, DVDs, and much more. Funds received will go towards the library's children's programs and other initiatives. Come out and support our local libraries!

Mental Health Virtual Town Hall

Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia (RPSV) is hosting a virtual Town Hall on May 21st at 3 pm., in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. RPSV is a nonprofit that operates five free Recovery Centers and weekly virtual support groups in Northern Virginia. The event is in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and is designed to address the stigma around mental health while encouraging those who may be reluctant to seek care to understand why there is no shame in doing so.


During the event, presenters will share more information on mental health, provide options for care, explain its ties to substance use and homelessness, and will discuss the power of peer support. Because they recognize the topic of mental health is a private concern for so many, guests are welcome to attend with their cameras on or off. They can also observe, sharing is optional! RPSV will also offer a 45-minute virtual support session after the event for guests who want to stay to experience virtual peer support first-hand.


The public is encouraged to register at https://bit.ly/MHAMTH-RPSV. Questions can be directed to mtaylor@recoveryprograms.us.

FCPS Launches Largest Academy Class

Police Chief Kevin Davis welcomed 56 candidates starting their first day at the FCPD Academy. Session 84 is the largest academy class in almost 10 years and one of the most diverse classes ever.


The FCPD Academy lasts 25 weeks and includes basic instruction in the procedures, techniques, and principles of law enforcement, incident report writing, criminal law, traffic enforcement, and first aid. All officers also receive implicit and generational bias training; a training designed to help officers build trust and positive relationships within their communities and a crucial part of how FCPD keeps Fairfax County safe.


Considering a career in law enforcement? Look no further than Virginia’s largest police department. If you’re interested in learning more about FCPD and joining our ranks, please visit JoinFCPD.com for more information. 

FRCHA Scholarship Program

This scholarship opportunity is still open for applications! The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is excited to announce that a new scholarship opportunity for Fairfax County residents, who live in housing supported by the FCRHA, is open for all to apply! 

 

The link to access the on-line application is located at: Scholarship Program | fcrha.

 

The deadline for submission of applications is THIS FRIDAY, May 19, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Upon completion of the selection process, ten recipients will each be awarded a scholarship in the amount of $5,000.


Learn more at: www.fcrha.org/. 

Send questions to: fcrhascholarship@fairfaxcounty.gov .

Teen Summer Programs

There is still time to register your teens for county summer programs! See the links below for more information.


Teens In Action: (TIA) 9th -12th graders (6/20 - 8/18)

7th – 8th graders (6/20- 6/27, 7/28- 8/18)

 

All Participants must be registered in the REC Dynamics system and must fill out the packet and bring it to the center they would like to attend.

Registration link: FairfaxNCS - Registration System (usedirect.com)

Packet: 2023_teensinaction_summer_application_packet.pdf (fairfaxcounty.gov)


 

Therapeutic Rec Camp – Ages 5-22

More info: Therapeutic Recreation Camp | Neighborhood and Community Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)

 

Values in Prevention (VIP) Camp – 7th -- 8th graders (6/28 – 7/28)

All Parents must register their children with the below link (This is done by which ever school is closest to them)

 

Region I/Sandburg MS: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScR51rufozufYKpyy2LqxOwp-eJGCiTtpjIpMaSj1drjXj9kQ/viewform

Fairfax County COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19:

Contact our Health Department COVID-19 Call Center on weekdays: 9:00 am-7:00 pm at 703-267-3511.


Email questions or concerns to health@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm.


Follow the Fairfax County Government and Health Department Facebook Page


Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.


For regular updates, continue to follow the following trusted sources:


Fairfax County Health Department’s COVID-19 Homepage

Virginia Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram